EP2952368B1 - Trailer coupling - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a towing hitch comprising a coupling ball bearing and a socket receptacle for a socket for supplying power to the coupling ball engaging units having ball neck, wherein the socket has a socket housing with a housing sleeve which is provided with an insertion and wherein the insertion opening through an the housing sleeve pivotally mounted lid is closed.

Such a trailer coupling is from the DE 10 2009 046 180 A1 known, with this still a sensor is provided on the ball neck DE 298 00 542 U1 also discloses such a trailer hitch.

Among units that engage the hitch ball are either towing hitches of trailers to understand attacking the hitch ball, so that on the hitch ball articulated to the trailer is made, or there are load carriers, such as bicycle carriers that engage the hitch ball and be mounted on this, the entire load carrier is supported only by the coupling ball and the ball neck.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a towing hitch of the type described above in that the socket receptacle has a receiving channel in which the housing sleeve hineinerstreckt starting from a first side of the socket receptacle, that the housing sleeve rests against the first side of the socket receptacle with a contact surface and that the housing sleeve is fixed to the socket receptacle by a starting from a second side of the socket receptacle mounted holding element, which is supported on the socket receptacle and is connected to the housing sleeve by a latching connection.

In addition, in a trailer coupling according to the invention, a sensor is provided in the ball neck or in the coupling ball, so that a sensor connecting line must also run in the region of the receiving channel.

Thus, the solution according to the invention provides that the receiving channel has a recess for receiving a sensor connection line and that the sensor connection line is guided along an outer surface of the holding element, so that, for example, the possibility exists, the sensor connection line between the outer surface of the holding member and the receiving channel, in particular Well in the receiving channel to lead.

As an alternative to this, it is advantageously possible to design the holding element such that it has a guide for the sensor connection line, in particular a channel as a guide for the sensor connection line, so that the sensor connection line can run in the guide or the channel of the holding element.

Preferably, the guide or the channel of the holding element lies outside the outer surface of the holding element, so that, for example, the guide or the channel can also be arranged so that they are arranged in the recess of the receiving channel.

As an alternative to guiding the sensor connection line in the region of the receiving channel or in the area around the holding element, in particular between the holding element and the receiving channel, provides a further advantageous solution that the sensor connection line is guided in the housing cover of the socket.

In this case, the housing cover provides a convenient way to provide a connector for the connector cable.

This connector could be designed so that it lies loosely in the housing cover.

A particularly advantageous solution provides, however, that the connector is fixed to the housing cover, in particular releasably fixed.

Another advantageous solution provides that in the housing cover, a connector element of a connector for the sensor connection line is integrated.

In this solution, therefore, there is no longer the possibility to fix the connector within the housing, but the fixation already takes place in that the one connector element of the connector is integrated into the housing cover.

In a further advantageous solution it is provided that a receiving space for an electrical or electronic circuit is provided in the housing cover.

Such an electronic circuit can be used in many ways.

This electronic circuit could be, for example, an electronic circuit associated with a sensor or a trailer coupling control element or trailer coupling monitoring elements or cooperating with it.

The electronic circuit can also include additional, for example, from the side of the housing cover operated switching elements or arranged on the housing cover, in particular integrated in the housing cover display elements.

A particularly favorable solution provides that the housing cover has a receiving space for an electronic circuit connected to the sensor connection line, so that this electronic circuit can be, for example, an evaluation circuit or control circuit for a sensor system connected to the sensor connection line.

With regard to a sensor system connected to the sensor connection line, no further details have been given so far.

Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the sensor connection line is guided to a sensor system associated with the ball neck.

Such a sensor system may for example be a kink angle sensor which is integrated into the coupling ball or the ball neck, in particular a region of the ball neck adjoining the coupling ball.

However, such a sensor system may also be a load sensor which is integrated in the coupling ball or in the ball neck.

Such a load sensor may for example be designed as a support load sensor, which detects only the vertical load acting on the coupling ball and / or the ball neck.

However, such a sensor can also be designed as the load of the coupling ball and / or the ball neck total detecting sensor which detects not only the support load, but also all other, acting on the coupling ball and / or ball neck forces.

In such trailer hitches there is also the problem of being able to mount the socket as cheap and easy as possible.

The advantage of the solution according to the invention is the fact that there is a simple way to fix the housing sleeve to the socket receptacle without - as usual - the socket housing is connected by screws with the socket receptacle.

In addition, the solution according to the invention with the provision of a latching connection still has the advantage that the latching connection can be designed so that it can adapt to different versions of the socket receptacle with conventional tolerances.

With regard to the fixation of the retaining element to the socket receptacle a variety of ways are conceivable.

An advantageous solution provides that the holding element is supported in the receiving channel.

In this case, the receiving channel may for example have recesses in which the holding element is supported.

However, an advantageous solution provides that the holding element is supported on a conically widening wall portion of the receiving channel.

In particular, the conically widening wall region is embodied such that it widens in the direction of the second side of the socket receptacle, so that a retaining element inserted into the receiving channel from the second side can be supported on the conical wall region narrowing in the direction of the first side ,

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the holding element is supported by a support flange on one side of the socket receptacle opposite the first side.

In addition, it is advantageous if the socket is fixed in rotation in the socket receptacle.

This would be possible, for example, in that the housing sleeve is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner, for example by positive-locking elements in the housing receptacle.

However, a particularly advantageous solution provides that the holding element is fixed against rotation on the socket receptacle by form-locking elements.

A non-rotatable fixing of the holding element has the advantage that thereby there is the possibility, on the one hand the holding element, in the area usually a cable guide, clearly and rotationally fixed, on the other hand there is the possibility to vary the orientation of the housing sleeve relative to the holding element.

In particular, it is provided that the holding element has a form-locking element, which forms a non-rotatable positive connection with a positive locking element of the socket receptacle.

These interlocking elements could be formed, for example, as toothings and counter toothings or as any non-rotationally symmetrical structures which are designed to correspond with each other.

A particularly favorable solution provides that the socket receptacle has a form-fitting element extending from the second side of the socket receptacle into the receiving channel hineinerstreckende bag.

In this case, it is expediently provided that the holding element has a body engaging in the pocket, so that the form-locking elements are formed by the body and the pocket.

In particular, it is expediently provided that the positive-locking elements extend parallel to a mounting direction of the retaining element, so that the positive-locking elements engage with one another by placing the retaining element.

With regard to an alignment of the holding element and the housing sleeve relative to each other, no further details have been given in connection with the embodiments explained so far.

Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the holding element and the housing sleeve in at least one rotational position, preferably in different rotational positions, relative to one another are rotatably connected to each other.

This means that it is possible to fix the housing sleeve in at least one, preferably in different Drehausrichtungen, relative to the holding element.

For example, is provided for fixing the retaining element and the housing sleeve relative to each other in at least one rotational position, that the holding element and the housing sleeve are rotatably connected by positive locking elements.

Such form-fitting elements could be, for example, radial toothing, which engage with each other.

In such radial toothing, it is also possible to choose a different orientation of the housing sleeve relative to the holding element in the connection between the housing sleeve and retaining element.

Particularly suitable is a solution in which at least one of the interlocking elements is arranged at a plurality of angular positions about the central axis on the housing sleeve and / or the holding element, in which the each other positive engagement element engages, so that even by the plurality of angular positions of the one positive locking element is possible to bring the other positive engagement element with the one of the positive locking elements in one of these angular positions in engagement.

For example, the form-fitting elements for the rotationally fixed fixing of the housing sleeve and the retaining element extend parallel to each other to Aufsetzrichtung.

With regard to the realization of the locking connection between the retaining element and the housing sleeve, the most diverse solutions are conceivable.

An advantageous solution provides that the latching connection is position-independent effect within a latching region extending in the direction of attachment.

This means that the latching connection has a latching region extending in the attachment direction and that the latching connection is effective within this latching region, regardless of the position in which the latching connection is made.

With such a snap connection, the possibility is created to mount the socket in the socket receptacle tolerance insensitive, that is, the socket receptacle can be made with significant tolerances, in particular significant tolerances in terms of the distance of the first page from the second page and / or the training of Receiving channels and that nevertheless always reliable simple and safe installation of the socket is possible because the latching connection is positionally independent effect within the latching range, so that, for example, a varying distance of the first side of the second side and / or a varying diameter of the receiving channel by different Positioning of the retaining element relative to the housing sleeve and thus can be compensated by different distances pushing the retaining element in the mounting direction.

Such a position-independent latching region can preferably be realized in that the holding element can be latched to the housing sleeve in that either the housing sleeve or the holding element has a latching toothing with a series of latching teeth extending parallel to the mounting direction and the holding element or the housing sleeve is counter-toothed with at least one latching tooth have in the sequence of locking teeth engaging ratchet teeth.

Due to the extension of the sequence of locking teeth of the locking teeth in the direction of attachment, it is possible to determine the extent of the locking region, within which the locking connection is independent of position effective.

However, the solution according to the invention can advantageously be further developed by further features which are effective in the context of a trailer coupling.

Thus, a particularly expedient solution provides that the holding element is formed as part of a housing cover for completing the housing sleeve on a side opposite the insertion opening side, in particular a rear opening of the housing sleeve.

This makes it easy to combine the fixation of the housing sleeve in the socket receptacle with the attachment of a lid to the completion of the housing sleeve.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of some embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung der am Fahrzeug montierbaren Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 3

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kugelhalses einer erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung mit Kupplungskugel;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Kugelhalses in Richtung des Pfeils A in Fig. 3 ohne in die Steckdosenaufnahme eingesetzte Steckdose;

Fig. 5

eine vergrößerte Ansicht der Steckdosenaufnahme ohne eingesetzte Steckdose;

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung des Kugelhalses des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung ähnlich Fig. 4 mit eingesetzter Steckdose;

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt längs Linie 7-7 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt längs Linie 8-8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Gehäusehülse des Steckdosengehäuses ohne Gehäusedeckel;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Gehäusedeckels für die Steckdose gemäß Fig. 9 entsprechend dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 11

eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer Rastverzahnung zwischen dem Haltering und der Gehäusehülse;

Fig. 12

eine Darstellung ähnlich Fig. 4 bei einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 13

einen Schnitt ähnlich Fig. 7 bei dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 14

einen Schnitt ähnlich Fig. 13 bei einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 15

einen Schnitt längs Linie 15-15 in Fig. 14 durch den Gehäusedeckel des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 16

einen Schnitt ähnlich Fig. 7 durch ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 17

einen Schnitt ähnlich Fig. 7 durch ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung;

Fig. 18

einen Schnitt ähnlich Fig. 7 durch ein sechstes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung und ;

Fig. 19

einen Schnitt ähnlich Fig. 7 durch ein siebtes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anhängekupplung.

In the drawing show:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with a trailer hitch;

Fig. 2

a representation of the vehicle-mounted hitch;

Fig. 3

a first embodiment of a ball neck of a trailer coupling according to the invention with coupling ball;

Fig. 4

a view of the first embodiment of the ball neck in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 3 without socket inserted in the socket receptacle;

Fig. 5

an enlarged view of the socket receptacle without inserted socket;

Fig. 6

a representation of the ball neck of the first embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention similar Fig. 4 with inserted socket;

Fig. 7

a section along line 7-7 in Fig. 6 ;

Fig. 8

a section along line 8-8 in Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the housing sleeve of the socket housing without housing cover;

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the housing cover for the socket according to Fig. 9 according to the first embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention;

Fig. 11

an enlarged view of a locking toothing between the retaining ring and the housing sleeve;

Fig. 12

a representation similar Fig. 4 in a second embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention;

Fig. 13

similar to a cut Fig. 7 in the second embodiment of the hitch according to the invention;

Fig. 14

similar to a cut Fig. 13 in a third embodiment of a trailer coupling according to the invention;

Fig. 15

a section along line 15-15 in Fig. 14 through the housing cover of the third embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention;

Fig. 16

similar to a cut Fig. 7 by a fourth embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention;

Fig. 17

similar to a cut Fig. 7 by a fifth embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention;

Fig. 18

similar to a cut Fig. 7 by a sixth embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention and;

Fig. 19

similar to a cut Fig. 7 by a seventh embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention.

An in Fig. 1 illustrated and designated as a whole by 10 motor vehicle comprises a motor vehicle body 12, which carries a bumper unit 16 at a rear portion 14. Covered by the bumper unit 16 Rear side 18 of the rear portion 14 and the bumper unit 16 is a cross member 22 of a coupling support unit 20 is provided which is fixed by side support 24 at the rear portion 14 of the vehicle body 12 characterized in that the side support 24 extend parallel to a longitudinal direction 26 of the vehicle body 12 and in lateral areas 28 of the rear portion 14 are fixed thereto.

The coupling support unit 20 is further provided with a designated as a whole by 30 bearing unit whose bearing base 32 is fixedly connected to the cross member 22.

The bearing assembly 30 further includes a bearing member, generally designated 34, which is connected to a first end 42 of a ball neck, generally designated 40, extending from the first end 42 to a second end 44 and a second end 44 thereof carries as a whole with 46 designated coupling ball.

The bearing member 34 may be a bearing member fixedly connected to the bearing base 32 or detachably mountable to the bearing base 32.

Alternatively, however, the bearing element 34 may be a pivot bearing element, which is pivotable about a pivot axis designated 36 relative to the bearing base 32, so that the ball neck 40 of the in Fig. 2 working position A shown by solid lines in a rest position R shown in dashed lines is pivotable, in which the ball neck 40 extends from the bearing base 32 transversely to the longitudinal direction 26 of the vehicle body 12 and thus along the cross member 22.

Thus, the ball neck 40 runs in the rest position R shown in dashed lines transversely to a vertical longitudinal center plane 38 of the motor vehicle body 12 and also the coupling support unit 20, wherein the vertical longitudinal center plane 38 thus also runs parallel to the longitudinal direction 26.

Further, also the pivot axis 36 preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal center plane 38, but inclined relative to the vertical longitudinal center plane 38 by an angle, wherein the angle is less than 70 ° and more than 20 °.

An embodiment of such a ball neck 40 is enlarged in FIG Fig. 3 illustrated, wherein the ball neck 40 is integrally formed on the bearing element 34 and the bearing element 34 is formed in this case as a pivot bearing member for pivotable mounting to the bearing base 32.

In the illustrated embodiment of the ball neck 40 this carries at its second end 44 a ball stud 48 having a cylindrical to a central axis 50 extending lateral surface which extends at a radial distance about the central axis 50, which is smaller than a radius of the coupling ball 46th

In the illustrated embodiment of the ball neck 40 has this, as in Fig. 3 to 5 shown, a housing receptacle 60 which is integrally integrated into the ball neck 40 and in the form of an annular body 62 which is located between a ball neck portion 64 which extends from the first end 42 of the ball neck 40 to the annular body 62 and a second ball neck portion 66, which extends from the annular body 62 to the second end 44 of the ball neck.

The ring body 62 of the housing receptacle 60 encloses a receiving channel of the housing receptacle 60, designated as a whole by 72, which extends from a first end face 74 of the annular body 62 to a second end face 76 of the annular body 62 and forms a central axis 78 which runs transversely to the longitudinal center plane 38 , while it may be inclined relative to the longitudinal center plane 38 by an acute angle, but preferably but perpendicular to the longitudinal center plane 38 extends.

The receiving channel 72 is formed by a channel inner wall 82 enclosing this, which has a substantially cylindrical to the central axis 78 extending and rotating around the central axis 78 wall portion 84 following the first end face 74 and extending from the wall portion 84 and up to the second end face 76 has conically widening wall region 86, which thus at the transition to the second end face 76 at a greater radial distance from the central axis 78 extends as close to the cylindrical wall portion 84th

In addition, the receiving channel 72 is provided with positive locking elements 92, which are formed as widening radially relative to the conical wall portion 86 pockets 94 which extend from the cylindrical wall portion 84 in the direction of the second end face 76 and lying in the end face 76 pocket openings 96 , so that the pockets 94 are accessible via the pocket openings 96 lying in the second end face 76.

In addition to the interlocking elements 92, a cable guide trough 102 running in the first ball neck section 64 opens into the conical wall region 86 and has an opening 104 which opens into the conical wall region 86 and adjoins the second end face 76.

The cable guide channel 102 is set back both with respect to the second end face 76 and a surface 68 of the first ball neck section 64.

As in the Fig. 3 and 6 to 10 is shown, in the socket receptacle 60 as a whole with 110 designated outlet used, which has a designated as a whole with 112 socket housing, which engages in the socket receptacle 60.

The socket housing 112 in turn comprises a housing sleeve 114, which is provided with an insertion opening 116.

The insertion opening 116 can be closed by a cover 118, which is mounted on the housing sleeve 114 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 124 with a cover hinge designated as a whole by 122.

The cover hinge 122 is integrally formed on a subsequent to the insertion opening 116 collar 126 which forms an engageable with the first end face 74 of the socket receptacle 60 bearing surface 128 with which the socket housing 112 in the mounted position against the socket receptacle 60 and against movement in Direction of the second end face 76 is fixed.

The housing sleeve 114 extends from the insertion opening 116 to a rear opening 132, which can be opened by a housing cover 134.

The housing cover 134 engages over the rear opening 132 with a cover body 136, to which a retaining ring 138 is integrally formed, which surrounds the housing sleeve 114 on an outer circumferential side 142.

To connect the housing cover 134 with the housing sleeve 114, the housing sleeve 114 on its outer peripheral side 142 near the rear opening 132 latching teeth 144, which have parallel to a central axis 146 of the socket housing 112 a plurality of successive ratchet teeth 148.

For example, pairs of opposing locking teeth 144 with respect to the arrangement of their locking teeth 148 are identical, wherein the locking teeth 148 of different pairs in the direction of the central axis 146 may be offset from each other to allow in the direction of the central axis 146 an even finer positioning of the retaining ring 138 to the housing sleeve , as by the distance of the ratchet teeth 144th is given, namely the fact that the latching takes place in each case by at least a pair of opposing locking teeth 144, while another pair or other pairs do not contribute in this position for locking.

In this locking teeth 148 engages, as in Fig. 11 shown, formed on the retaining ring 138 counter-teeth 152 a, which has at least one locking tooth 154, but may also have other locking teeth 154 may have.

Preferably, the locking teeth 144 and the counter teeth 152 are formed so that when pushing the retaining ring 138 in a Aufsetzrichtung 156, which is parallel to the central axis 146, the two teeth 144 and 152 interlock and secure each other, preferably inseparable, lock.

The placement of the housing cover 134 in the Aufsetzrichtung 156 takes place until the retaining ring 138 rests against the socket receptacle 60, so that thereby the entire socket 110 is securely held against movement in the direction of the central axis 78 of the receiving channel 72 to the socket 60, on the one hand the contact surface 128 rests against the first end face 74 of the socket receptacle 60 and, on the other hand, the retaining ring 138 is supported on the socket receptacle 60.

The support of the retaining ring 138 on the socket receptacle 60 can be effected by a radially over the retaining ring 138 protruding support flange 158 which can rest on the second end face 76 and the retaining ring 138 secures against movement in the direction of the first end face 74.

This can be done alternatively or additionally by the retaining ring 138 being provided with a conically extending outer surface 162, which faces the wall region 86 running conically with respect to the central axis 78, and in particular has the same cone angle as the conically extending wall portion 86, so that by placing the retaining ring 138 on the housing sleeve 114, a centering of the housing sleeve 114 due to the voltage applied to the conical wall portion 86 conical outer surface 162 and a support against movement of the retaining ring 138 in the direction the first end face 74 takes place.

In this case, the outer surface 162 may be provided with outwardly projecting scraping ribs 163, which ensure an even better fit fit and contribute to tolerance compensation.

In addition, a radial centering of the housing sleeve 114 also takes place through the cylindrical wall region 84 of the channel inner wall 82 in the region in a region adjoining the collar 126, so that a secure fixation of the socket housing 112 in the socket receptacle 60 takes place.

The fact that, for example, the locking teeth 144 has a plurality of locking teeth 148 and the counter teeth 152 can thus be latched in one of the plurality of locking teeth 148 corresponding plurality of locking positions with the locking teeth 144, thus allowing, when placing the retaining ring 138 with the housing cover 134th and shifting the same in the direction of placement 156 to compensate dimensional tolerances in the region of the annular body 62, which arise in a production of the annular body 62 as a forged part.

For a simple and reliable and dimensional tolerances insensitive mounting of the socket 110 in the socket 60 is possible.

For non-rotatable fixing of the socket 110 of the retaining ring 138 is provided with form-locking elements 172 in the form of wedge bodies 174 which are insertable when placing the retaining ring 138 in the Aufsetzrichtung 156 on the pocket openings 96 in the pockets 94, so that the retaining ring 138 by the with Positive locking elements 92 cooperating positive locking elements 172 rotationally fixed in the annular body 62 is fixed.

The positioning by the wedge body 174, for example, can still be made more resistant to tolerances that the wedge body 174 are provided with outwardly projecting scratch ribs 175.

Thus, only an additional rotationally fixed fixation of the housing sleeve 114 is required relative to the retaining ring 138.

This takes place in that the housing sleeve 114 is provided in an end portion 182 carrying the locking teeth 144 with slots 184 running parallel to the central axis 146, in which webs 186 formed on the retaining ring 138 and projecting radially in the direction of the central axis 146 engage.

Preferably, the slots 184 are arranged around the central axis 146 at equal angular intervals and the corresponding webs 186 also arranged at equal angular intervals, so that the possibility exists, the housing sleeve 114 positively locked in different rotational positions relative to the retaining ring 138 rotatably and thereby different rotational positions of the housing sleeve 114 relative to the retaining ring 138 pretend.

In a second exemplary embodiment of a trailer coupling according to the invention, those parts which are identical to those of the first exemplary embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, so that with regard to the description of the same, reference may be made in full to the comments on the first exemplary embodiment.

In the second embodiment, for example, the second ball neck portion 66 and / or the coupling ball 46, a sensor system associated with 202, to which a sensor connecting line 204 is guided, passing through a ball neck portion 66, the ball stud 48 and optionally the coupling ball 46 passing through channel 206 which also opens into the receiving channel 72 of the socket receptacle 60, so that the sensor connection line 204 is to continue within the receiving channel 72.

Such a sensor system 202 is for example a kink angle sensor for detecting a bending angle between the ball neck 40 and a towbar provided on a tow ball coupling and / or a sensor system for detecting acting on the coupling ball 46 and / or the ball neck 40 forces.

For this, as in Fig. 12 and 13 shown, in the wall portion 86 and that in direct connection to the second end face 76, a step-shaped recess 212 is provided, which extends from a relative to the channel inner wall 82 recessed opening portion 214 of the channel 206 in the receiving channel 72 up to the cable guide groove 102, in particular on a side facing away from the form-locking elements 92 side of the conical wall portion 86 extends.

In the simplest case, there is the possibility, as in Fig. 13 2, the sensor connection line 204 between the outer surface 162 of the retaining ring 138 and the stepped recess 212 to extend from the mouth portion 214 to the cable guide groove 102 and then in the cable guide channel 102 with a socket supply line 106 to a harness 108 summarize or in this harness to a To let continue connection unit on the motor vehicle.

In a third embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention, shown in FIG Fig. 14 and 15 is the sensor connection line 204 to protect the same on the retaining ring 138 'guided in that in the region of the support flange 158, which faces the stepped recess 212, to the support flange 158 a parallel to the outer surface 162 of the retaining ring 138 extending support web 222 is arranged, the at a distance from the outer surface 162 of the retaining ring 138 ', so that between the support web 222 and the retaining ring 138', a U-shaped channel 224 is formed, in which the sensor connection line 204 inserted and through which the connecting line 204 is guided, so that against protected mechanical effects in the retaining ring 138 ', led from the mouth region 214 to the cable guide trough 102, run.

Incidentally, even in this third embodiment of the trailer coupling according to the invention all those elements which are identical to those of the first embodiment, provided with the same reference numerals, so that with respect to the description of the same fully incorporated by reference to the comments on the first embodiment.

In a fourth embodiment, shown in FIG Fig. 16 the connection line 204 coming from the sensor system 202 is introduced from the opening area 214 "into the housing cover 134" by the retaining ring 138 and secured by means of a plug connection 232 fixed to the housing cover 134 ", preferably the cover body 136 of the housing cover 134" in the wiring harness 108 connected to the power outlet 106 sensor line 234 connected so that the power outlet cable 106 comprehensive harness 108 can be equipped in advance with the sensor line 234, which then within the housing cover 134 "via the connector 232 with the coming from the sensor system 202 sensor connection line 204th can be connected.

Incidentally, in the fourth embodiment, all those elements which are identical to those of the preceding embodiments, provided with the same reference numerals, so that the comments on these embodiments can be fully incorporated by reference.

In a fifth embodiment of a trailer coupling according to the invention, shown in FIG Fig. 17 , those parts which are identical to those of the preceding embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, so that with respect to the description of the same reference may be made in full to the comments on the preceding embodiments, in particular the first embodiment.

In contrast to the preceding embodiments, in this embodiment, the housing cover 134 "'so formed that it is still provided with an electronic sensor system 202 associated circuit 242, for example, an evaluation circuit for the sensor system 202, wherein the circuit 242 preferably on an inside of the Abdecckörpers 136 "'in a receiving space 238 of the housing cover 134"' is arranged and held.

In this embodiment, further to the retaining ring 138 '' a connector housing 244 is formed in which plug contact units 246 are arranged, in which pins 248 of the sensor connection line 204 can be inserted, so that a connection between the sensor connection line 204 with the circuit 242 via a connector 252 produced is, from which the connector housing 244 and the Stecckontaktinheiten 246 in the housing cover 234 '' are integrated.

Incidentally, in the fifth embodiment, all those elements which are identical to those of the preceding embodiments, provided with the same reference numerals, so that the comments on these embodiments can be fully incorporated by reference.

At an in Fig. 18 illustrated sixth embodiment of a trailer coupling according to the invention, in contrast to the preceding embodiments, the housing sleeve 114 "" itself provided with a cover 262, the cover 262, for example, with a holding portion 264 in the housing sleeve 114 "" engages and thereby either by positive engagement or by others Mounting options, such as bonding, with the housing sleeve 114 "" is connected.

However, the fixing of the housing sleeve is still done by the retaining ring 138 "", which also also the support flange 158 "", which is supported on the second end face 76 of the annular body 62. The fixing of the housing sleeve 114 "" takes place by the retaining ring 138 "" in the same manner as described in connection with the preceding embodiments.

Incidentally, in the sixth embodiment, all those elements which are identical to the above embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference can be made to the statements on the preceding embodiments.

In a seventh embodiment, shown in FIG Fig. 19 , is analogous to in Fig. 14 and 15 illustrated third embodiment of the retaining ring 138 ""'with the support web 222 ""', so that the channel 224 ""'forms, in which the sensor connection line 204 through the retaining ring 138 ""' out of the mouth portion 214 to the cable guide trough 102 can be.

Incidentally, in the seventh embodiment, all those elements which are identical to the above embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals, so that with respect to the description thereof, the contents of the embodiments relating to these embodiments can be fully incorporated.

In all embodiments, a contact carrier 272 is provided in the socket 110 within the socket housing 112, in which Stecckontakte 274 are provided, which can be connected to a plug-in 110 in the socket plug.

The plug contacts 274 are in turn contacted by a designated as a whole with 276 contact plug, which in turn has contact elements 278, which are connected on the one hand with the plug contacts 274 in the inserted state of the contact plug 276 and on the other hand connected to individual wires 282 of the socket supply line 106.

Claims (13)

1. Trailer coupling comprising a ball neck (40) supporting a coupling ball (46) and having a socket receptacle (60) for a socket (110) for the power supply of units acting on the coupling ball (46), the socket (110) having a socket housing (112) with a housing sleeve (114), which is provided with an insertion opening (116), and the insertion opening (116) being closable by a cover (118) that is mounted pivotably on the housing sleeve (112), wherein a sensor (202) is provided in the ball neck (40) or in the coupling ball (46) and wherein a receiving channel (72) of the socket receptacle (60) for the housing sleeve (114) has a recess (212) for accommodating a sensor connection line (204) characterized in that the socket receptacle (60) has a receiving channel (72), into which the housing sleeve (114) extends starting from a first side (74) of the socket receptacle (60), in that the housing sleeve (114) bears against the first side (74) of the socket receptacle (60) via a bearing surface (128), and in that the housing sleeve (114) is fixed to the socket receptacle (60) by a retaining element (138), which is fitted starting from a second side of the socket receptacle (60) and which is supported on the socket receptacle (60) and is connected to the housing sleeve (114) by a latched connection (144, 152) and in that the sensor connection line (204) is guided along an outer surface (162) of the retaining element (138).
2. Trailer coupling according to one claim 1, characterized in that the retaining element (138) has a guide for the sensor connection line (204).
3. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor connection line (204) is guided in a housing cover (134, 262) formed on the retaining element (138).
4. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plug connection (232) for the sensor connection line (204) is arranged in the housing cover (134, 262).
5. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plug connector element (244, 246) of a plug connector (252) for the sensor connection line (204) is integrated in the housing cover (134).
6. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving space for an electronic circuit (242) is provided in the housing cover (134, 262).
7. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing cover (134, 262) has a receiving space (238) for an electronic circuit (242) connected to the sensor connection line (204).
8. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor connection line (204) is guided to a sensor system (202) associated with the ball neck (40).
9. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (138) is supported in the receiving channel (72).
10. Trailer coupling according to claim 9, characterized in that the retaining element (138) is supported on a conically widening wall region (86) of the receiving channel (72).
11. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (138) is supported via a supporting flange (158) on a second side (76) of the socket receptacle (60) opposite the first side (74).
12. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (138) is secured on the socket receptacle (60) in a manner fixed against rotation by positively-locking elements (92, 172) and in that in particular the retaining element (138) has a positively-locking element (172), which enters into a rotationally fixed positively-locking connection with a positively-locking element (92) of the socket receptacle (60).
13. Trailer coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (138) is latchable to the housing sleeve (114) in that either the housing sleeve (114) or the retaining element (138) has a latching toothing (144) with a series of latching teeth (148) extending parallel to the fitting direction (156) and the retaining element (138) or the housing sleeve (114) has a counter-toothing (152) with at least one latching tooth (154) meshing with the series of latching teeth (148).

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